AT&T to allow VoIP apps for iPhone on 3G network
5:40p ET October 6, 2009 (MarketWatch)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- AT&T Inc. said late Tuesday it would allow Internet-based phone applications to run over its 3G network on Apple Inc.'s iPhone, bringing an end to several weeks of disagreements between the two companies and providers of so-called VoIP applications.
AT&T said it "has taken the steps necessary" for Apple to enable VoIP, or voice over Internet protocol, applications to run on the wireless network for the iPhone. Previously, if someone wanted to use VoIP technologies, they had to be on a Wi-Fi network.
The decision will allow iPhone users to access Skype and other Internet-based phone services on a 3G network.
Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive of AT&T mobility & consumer markets division, said in a statement that the company had made the decision of VoIP applications "after evaluating our customers' expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer."
A brouhaha had grown over the matter after the Federal Communications Commission raised questions about why Apple had turned down Google Inc.'s voice Internet-phone application for the iPhone.
Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris said the company is "very happy that AT&T is now supporting VoIP applications," and would be making the necessary changes to its developer agreements to quickly make VoIP applications available on the iPhone App Store.
